Weathering the Storm(s)

Regardless of where you live, we all share a common threat every year — storm conditions; and if not taken seriously, you can quickly find yourself in a hazardous situation. Be it hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, ice storms, flooding rains or severe thunderstorms, each season some part of the country is facing duck-and-cover weather.

If we learned anything from Hurricane Katrina, unfortunately, it's that too many of us do not realize that storms can be deceptively more dangerous once the skies clear. Power could be out. There might be flooding, or snow drifts. Perhaps temperatures have dipped. Faced with the possibility of these obstacles, you could be endangering yourself if not adequately prepared to deal with a storm's aftermath.

"The problem in most cases isn't being surprised by a storm. With today's weather-forecasting technology, we get advanced warning before the worst hits," said John Drengenberg, Consumer Affairs Manager for Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the not-for-profit product safety testing and certification organization.

"The challenge is getting us to make preparations before the storms arrive so we aren't struggling to survive or putting ourselves in danger for the hours, days or possibly weeks after the storm subsides," Drengenberg said.

Being prepared means keeping a supply of flashlights and batteries in the home. Flashlights are the most preferred, prudent source of light. Candle use is strongly discouraged because they pose a fire risk. A first-aid kit is another must, while a battery-operated radio is a useful source of information during and after the storm. Remember extra batteries for the radio, too.

Designate a family meeting point in case you become separated from your loved ones and if you own pets, be sure they are tagged with up-to-date information for identification purposes. It's also a good time to check your insurance coverage. Most home policies do not cover flood losses, but you can purchase a flood insurance policy separately.

Stocking up on dry goods with long expiration dates is another way to prepare for storms. The rule for water is to have 3 gallons per family member. If you're on medication, be sure to have a two-week supply. And keep your gas tank full in case you need to move out fast. This also will keep the fuel lines from freezing during extreme cold.

Once the storm passes, remember that you're not out of danger yet. Statistics indicate that people get hurt or die in accidents afterward, most of them brought on by mistakes that could've been avoided.

"There's great relief in surviving a storm, but you have to remain vigilant — for yourself and your loved ones," said Tara Lynch, a spokeswoman for the American Red Cross. "The best thing you can do after a disaster is to play it safe. Don't be afraid to ask for help and take steps to plan for any future emergencies."

Be sure to stay inside until the storm has completely passed and stay off the roads unless driving is necessary. Post-storm roads need to drain of floodwater, or be cleared of debris or snow. Do not drive if winds are 40 mph or more. Keep clear of downed wires and power lines.

Portable generators are a popular alternative electrical source during blackouts. Unfortunately, their increased use also contributed to a record number of deaths associated with carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from generators during the 2005 hurricane season. If you use generators, place them as far away from your home as possible and away from doors, windows and air vents — yours and your neighbor's. Never run a portable generator indoors.

After power outages, check the refrigerator for spoiled foods. When in doubt, toss it out. If a boil order is issued for water in your community, boil water at a roiling rate for 10 minutes. Also, never use a stove for warmth. Stoves are designed for cooking. And never operate a grill indoors — it's both a fire and a CO hazard.

If you use a space heater to keep warm, make sure it is UL listed and has an automatic shutoff switch. Be cautious of floodwater — it's frequently contaminated with septic waste, oil and/or construction debris. And to avoid electrical shock, never plug in a wet or damaged appliance. All water-damaged residential equipment should be replaced.